We invite all groups of homeschools, preschools, public schools, intervention/special needs groups, private schools, scouts, church youth groups, business teams, large families, non-profits, corporate staff, – AND MORE – for a private educational tour of our farming operation.
We are well versed (and experienced) to provide age-appropriate agricultural-themed learning objectives and hands on experiential activities for all ages so everyone will leave with an understanding of life on an orchard! We’re happy to help curate a tour or event to meet your group’s specific needs (or attention span for the little ones); consider us gracious hosts who want to offer your group a memorable experience.
Our orchards, barns, staff, and wagon tour equipment are able to accommodate elderly groups and those with disabilities. During peak season (September & October), tours are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings as Orchard resources (staff and equipment) are in high demand during harvest; tours are not available on peak season weekends (Fri – Sun) when we need 100% support at our bustling market barn. Friday mornings occasionally become available as we start to see an increased demand for this offering!
HOW TO BOOK:
We are now taking reservations for our Fall 2025 Farm Tour and Educational Workshops. Please use our pre-registration link here to submit a $50 deposit for each group of 25 participants – OR – please send Brooke an email to start your booking process! You can also call the Barn at (419) 588-2858 x 5 and ask a team member for Brooke to call you back.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Our S.T.A.R. Group Tour is our basic tour which can accommodate groups of 25 – 100 participants (per day). For larger groups (100+), please anticipate making two separate visits for your tour (i.e. large schools with 8-10 classrooms).
S = Snack, Story, Safety, Stay & Play
- Fresh apple cider and popcorn snack; storytelling with our library of orchard-themed books (catered to each age group); a brief introduction from the Gammie family or our staff along with a safety minute to keep everyone safe; a chance to play on our “haystack” tower; an option to extend your stay with your own packed lunch using our picnic tables.
T = Tour of Apple Barns
- An educational farm tour (catered to your age group) that can include a tour of our packing house, storage barns, and refrigerated coolers that highlights agricultural-themed learning objectives such as blossom anatomy, pollination, identification of different types of fruit trees, orchard infrastructure, post-harvest technologies, food safety, and supply chain-delivery logistics where you’ll learn how apples go from our tree to your table (or school cafeteria!).
A = Apple Picking
- A quick picking lesson followed by Pick Your Own apples (4 apples per guest is included with the tour price, however more apples may be harvested for an additional charge); Pick your own miniature pumpkin or gourd (additional charge).
R = Guided Tractor-Pulled Wagon Ride
- A guided tractor-pulled wagon ride through our orchards and adjoining Erie Metroparks Edison Woods Preserve
EXPECTATIONS & PRICING:
- Tours run a minimum of 60 minutes but can last up to 90 minutes depending on your age group
- “Participants” include all attending children ages 3+ and additional accompanying adults, child caregivers, supervisors, siblings. etc. We politely ask that everyone participates; everyone plays; everyone pays; We do not charge for school teachers or intervention aids
- Group leaders are responsible for payment of the entire group (and ALL participants). One invoice will be issued per tour and payment will be expected after the tour
- S.T.A.R. Tour pricing starts at a $375 minimum for groups UP to 25 participants; for groups with participants of 25 and greater, a $15 per participant fee would apply (upon the $375 minimum having been met)
- *** DISCOUNTS ARE OFFERD TO LARGE GROUPS WITH 75-100+ ATTENDEES*** SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH BROOKE GAMMIE TO LEARN MORE ***
- A $50 deposit, or an approved Purchase Order from your school treasurers office is required to reserve your tour date(s). School staff may put the deposit on a credit card and once payment from the school has been received, we are able to refund this deposit
- All tours are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis once dates and prices have been posted
- We will reserve orchard staff and farm resources ahead of time to accommodate your tour; as such, we count on your visit and are unable to re-fund your deposit once you have made your reservation. Rain dates and re-scheduling are available for incliment weather and extenuating circumstances. Thanks for your cooperation!
- Our extended Quarry Hill family includes our resident attack dog (i.e. our golden retriever, Romulus), local honeybees, and some pesky poison ivy out in the orchard…please be mindful of these elements in your proximity as you enjoy some time at the farm, thank you! They are ALL part of the tour, and the experience
